A family friend of the Rixon family, based in Booyong near Clunes, is appealing for public support after their son’s serious car accident.
Taryn Kennelly writes on Gofundme, ‘Ben and Catherine have seven children, six still at home’.
‘On the 18 April this year, their son Jacob (aged 19), had a serious car accident. Jacob, who has been working as a 3rd year refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice, lost control of his car on a back road near Wardell and crashed head-on into a tree’.
‘It is truly a miracle that Jacob survived.
‘He suffered severe multi-trauma injuries to his right leg. He severed all three major blood vessels supplying his foot, sustained compound fractures to his tibia and fibula, multiple fractures in his foot, and significant loss of blood, muscle, bone and skin.
‘Jacob was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he underwent multiple emergency surgeries. Thanks to the incredible work of the vascular, orthopaedic and plastic surgery teams, blood flow was successfully restored to his foot. Since then, he has had a metal rod inserted, bone cement placed, along with muscle and skin grafts.
‘There is still a long road ahead.
‘Jacob will require further major surgery in the coming months. While there is hope for good recovery, the possibility of amputation remains if his leg does not heal and regain function as hoped.
‘He is now home with his family, surrounded by love and support as he begins his recovery. ‘He is mostly wheelchair-dependent at this stage, with limited mobility on crutches.
‘Before the accident, Jacob had been living semi-independently on the family property in his own caravan — something he is now unable to access for the foreseeable future.
‘Ben and Catherine have been by his side through everything. Ben stayed with Jacob throughout his hospital admission and has taken significant time off work with more time needed in the months ahead to support Jacob and the family.
‘With five other children still at home, this has been a very challenging and emotional time for everyone.
Financial stress
‘As a family, they simply want to be able to focus on caring for Jacob and supporting their children through this season, without the constant weight of financial stress.
We have already seen such a beautiful outpouring of love through prayers, meals, messages, and practical help, and it has meant so much.
‘If you feel able, this GoFundMe is here as a way to support Ben, Catherine, Jacob, and their family during this time. There is absolutely no pressure or expectation…just an invitation.
‘And most importantly, we ask for your prayers. They truly believe in the power of prayer and are holding onto hope for Jacob’s healing and recovery.
‘Thank you for standing with them’.
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